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1. What if the misconduct happened off campus?

The conduct code's jurisdiction includes off-campus behaviors, and gives the University the option of filing charges for events off campus if they adversely affect EWU students, the University, or its objectives.

2. What happens if I ignore a letter from SRR?

If you ignore a letter from SRR you would be at risk of having a hold put on your academic file, which would mean you couldn't register for classes or your transcripts might be held until SRR removed the hold. To get the hold removed, you would contact SRR and follow through with the conduct review process.

3. How are University charges different from criminal charges?

University charges are entirely separate from criminal charges and may proceed at the same time as criminal processes. A major difference is that a University finding of responsibility is by "preponderance of evidence," which requires less proof than criminal charges that need to be determined "beyond a reasonable doubt." The University does not follow criminal rules of evidence. Preponderance of evidence means is it more likely than not that the alleged violation of the conduct code happened.

4. What if I think I have been wrongly accused of a conduct violation?

If you think you have been wrongfully accused of a student conduct violation, it is understandable to feel frustrated. We encourage you to participate in the student conduct process and provide any information that you believe will prove you are not responsible.

You are welcome to consult with an advisor throughout the process and have him/her join you for all student conduct proceedings. (See EWU Student Conduct Code, under Conduct Review Proceedings.) If you do not know someone who would be willing to serve as an advisor for you, please contact the Dean of Students/Student Life team and we will be glad make suggestions. Also, our Student Life staff can connect you with an advocate (separate from a student conduct advisor) who may assist you in accessing support resources.

Lastly, you may wish to pursue your own complaint. It is a violation of the EWU student conduct code to knowingly furnish false information to the university. Intentionally submitting a false student conduct complaint would be such a violation. If you believe this has happened to you, we encourage you to call Student Rights and Responsibilities or submit an Incident Report Form. If you have other any questions regarding the student conduct process or any SRR policies, please contact Director Tim Orton: (509) 359-6960.

5. What kind of conduct would get someone expelled from EWU?

The aims of the student conduct code are educational, but acts that put other people's safety at risk are not tolerated. Weapons violations, assaults, or drug dealing/possession are types of violations that would be typically considered for expulsion.

6. Can I appeal the outcome of a hearing?

Both parties can appeal the outcome of a hearing. The conduct code spells out the reasons for appeals and should be thoroughly reviewed. A partial list of reasons an appeal might occur include procedural error, new information coming to light that was unavailable at the time of the hearing, and challenging the reasonableness of sanctions. The conduct code also establishes appeal timelines.

7. If I was found responsible for a conduct code violation will it be on my permanent record?

Currently, no notation will be listed on your transcript. Whether you are found responsible or not, records are maintained for 7 years. Other higher education institutions, professional organizations, or government agencies may request a background check if you are applying for employment or admission.

8. What happens if I do not complete sanctions from SRR?

If you do not complete your assigned sanctions, a hold will be placed on your account. An account hold prevents your ability to register for classes or access copies of your transcripts. To get the hold removed, you would need to offer proof that you completed the sanction. In addition, new sanctions could be considered for failure to comply with university directives.

9. If there are already criminal charges, why does the University get involved?

The University has an interest in the success of its students and in providing a campus environment free of disruption. The University can investigate and hold hearings on certain acts that may also be criminal. The two processes are different: the criminal process involves an alleged violation of law, while the student conduct process involves an alleged violation of the EWU student conduct code. The University has an interest in protecting students and in holding students accountable when a violation of the conduct code occurs.

10. If another student is hurting my son or daughter (assault, sexual misconduct, etc.), how can SRR help?

11. If my son or daughter has an SRR charge, will I know about it?

Conduct records are considered part of a student's academic record, which is protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). SRR may provide information to parents if the student signs a waiver permitting that disclosure. There are few exceptions built into FERPA, which EWU observes: as an example, parents of minors are informed (by letter) if their student has alcohol or drug violations.